Being messed about by dealer, what to do about it.
Discussion
I recently bought a 2015 4 series BMW from a car supermarket type place, linked to a main dealer (as in it has the name above the door).
I noticed while test driving that the aircon was a bit noisy, and that there were some stonechips on the front that I'd want sorted out, the wheels needed a refurb and it's also due a brake fluid change in feb
The car was the right price so I went ahead, based on the issues being addressed.
Picked the car up, wheels done, nothing else.
This is where I think I made my first mistake by picking the car up anyway, they took it back in 2 days later to sort the paint chips and investigate the noisy aircon.
Got the car back that night, air con condenser is leaking so they ordered one and the paint chips have been touched in the wrong shade of silver, so you can see them from about 6 feet.
Now it's two and half weeks later, I've had a couple appointments that were canceled last minute. Since the last appointment was canceled on Friday due to the condenser not being there yet (they're in stock at BMW 1/2 a mile away) I've had no contact, emailed yesterday and had nothing back. I'm using email as I've got a bad feeling about it and would like a paper trail if things go further.
It looks like they're trying to get the air con condenser through the warranty, which I think is a bit underhanded as it was a pre existing fault.
I'm not asking for anything extra, just what we agreed when buying.
I can make a start on the complaints process through the bigger dealer but I think that may be counterproductive in the short term.
Assuming they're either incompetent or actively trying to get out of fixing the car, where do I stand?
I noticed while test driving that the aircon was a bit noisy, and that there were some stonechips on the front that I'd want sorted out, the wheels needed a refurb and it's also due a brake fluid change in feb
The car was the right price so I went ahead, based on the issues being addressed.
Picked the car up, wheels done, nothing else.
This is where I think I made my first mistake by picking the car up anyway, they took it back in 2 days later to sort the paint chips and investigate the noisy aircon.
Got the car back that night, air con condenser is leaking so they ordered one and the paint chips have been touched in the wrong shade of silver, so you can see them from about 6 feet.
Now it's two and half weeks later, I've had a couple appointments that were canceled last minute. Since the last appointment was canceled on Friday due to the condenser not being there yet (they're in stock at BMW 1/2 a mile away) I've had no contact, emailed yesterday and had nothing back. I'm using email as I've got a bad feeling about it and would like a paper trail if things go further.
It looks like they're trying to get the air con condenser through the warranty, which I think is a bit underhanded as it was a pre existing fault.
I'm not asking for anything extra, just what we agreed when buying.
I can make a start on the complaints process through the bigger dealer but I think that may be counterproductive in the short term.
Assuming they're either incompetent or actively trying to get out of fixing the car, where do I stand?
Order form had the wheels, paint chips and investigate the noisy aircon.
I have an email from the dealer saying the condenser was going to be replaced after it was investigated.
The email I sent yesterday asked for clarification on what would be done, and the normal time frame for service items being completed (the brake fluid service due in feb).
Essentially I think I'm covered and really just want the car sorted out.
I'm just not sure how to handle it, part of me wants to go and shout at people but I wouldn't expect that to actually help anything.
I have an email from the dealer saying the condenser was going to be replaced after it was investigated.
The email I sent yesterday asked for clarification on what would be done, and the normal time frame for service items being completed (the brake fluid service due in feb).
Essentially I think I'm covered and really just want the car sorted out.
I'm just not sure how to handle it, part of me wants to go and shout at people but I wouldn't expect that to actually help anything.
av185 said:
Good luck with touching up silver anything like to match especially on a bonnet.
yeah im guessing you expected a respray they were thinking dab em in with a brush?might be as well to spend an afternoon touching them in neatly yourself than letting some dealer grunt lash em up
Speed addicted said:
I recently bought a 2015 4 series BMW from a car supermarket type place, linked to a main dealer (as in it has the name above the door).
Is this their standard used car sales model? I'd be wondering why a 4yr old car wasn't being retailed by the dealer themselves.
Apparently there should have been another colour over the top to match the current colour, but someone's still sent it out like this.
The dark streaks are also paint.
I don't expect perfection, I'd have bought a new car if I did. I do expect some level of care though!
Sheepshanks said:
Speed addicted said:
I recently bought a 2015 4 series BMW from a car supermarket type place, linked to a main dealer (as in it has the name above the door).
Is this their standard used car sales model? I'd be wondering why a 4yr old car wasn't being retailed by the dealer themselves.I went to the main dealer first, they didn't have anything in stock and in budget. They seem to mainly deal with cars under 3 years old or very low mileage.
I suppose they use places like this to move stock that doesn't fit into their normal line up, or it's been traded into the garage I was dealing with.
Edited by Speed addicted on Wednesday 16th October 10:59
steveo3002 said:
thats how brushed on silver looks ...needs wiping off with thinners then doing again with a tooth pick so it just fills the chip
the streaks are where its been touched when wet ...lousy job
It's a pretty drastic colour difference, I'd assumed that they just used whatever silver they had on the shelf. the streaks are where its been touched when wet ...lousy job
They said the chips would be touched in, I've seen a decent job done previously and it wasn't hugely noticeable. You can see this effort from about 6' away.
They also said that it was an actual bodyshop that's done the work, the one in question is the most expensive place locally and are well known for good work. To me this looks like a trainee has been told to get it done.
CRA1G said:
How many miles has it done. ?
48k.I understand it's a used car, and have what I think are realistic expectations.
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